Winter seems to be here, finally. And of all the fashion trends that are set to greet the oncoming cold, the scarf will be mainstay. The long neck wrap — made famous of late though a spiffy Jonny Lee Miller in the modern take on Sherlock Homes — can be quite a girls’ best friend, actually transforming your entire ensemble. Here’s a look at stylish scarf choices and where to wear them.

Can go for the day and night
The scarf is available in several upmarket stores and of course, little street side stalls that peddle fashion. Solid plain colours and florals work for the day so team this with denims and a white shirt. This season, the Tex-Mex look is big, so think Aztec prints and tribal designs that look funky. Try the polka dotted look wrapped loosely around your neck for some retro charm and if it’s a formal meeting, wear a cream shaded scarf in houndstooth prints. For a brunch or another day do, opt for a neck stole, with beads and tassles.

For the night, go for a plain or shawl-print in silk as well as faux cashmere. Try one with sequins and pair with a glittering clutch.

Yes, men can wear them too
While actors Brad Pitt and football star David Beckham often wear one, did you know, the scarf has been in men’s wardrobes for years now, with militaries and aviators using them as rank insignia? Most popular today is the European Knot, where you hold the fold in front and pass both the ends around your neck and through the fold. Also big is the checked traditional Arabic Keffiyeh style. A thick wool or a lightweight linen scarf makes for stylish statement too. Of course, stay away from feminine-looking ones as well as those in colours like hot pink, electric mauve, etc. If you wear it with a suit, drape in around the neck and neatly tuck in the end lengths inside your blazer or jacket.

How to wrap it right
While it’s great to have lean wide shoulder blades to show off a scarf, anyone can wear one; it works for all. And there are several ways to wear a scarf. Loop it around the neck or as a cowl triangular piece (double fold) or from your neck in the usual casual style.

Try these out today
– Mixing prints is big. Pair an animal print scarf with a floral top
– Do a neckerchief, with a square scarf tied in a knot around the neck
– Dangle a long metallic studded scarf for a rock chic look
– Wear your scarf wrapped around the head for a bohemian look.
– For some fun, wear a small scarf as wrist candy around your hand with the watch and bracelet.
– You can also wrap a silk scarf around a plain brown belt for style.

A pizza scarf?
You can now wear a pepperoni pizza around the neck in a scarf, with the yellow cheese part in soft merino wool. You also get cookie and cupcake scarves!